American software firm UKG picks Kilkenny as site for its new global operations hub

US software company UKG is to open a global operations hub in Kilkenny in a move that will create 200 jobs.

The company provides HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions to more than 80,000 companies around the world.

UKG has been operating from the city of Kilkenny since its acquisition of payroll provider Immedis in June last year. Immedis, which was funded in 2016, was a subsidiary of CluneTech.

The new hub is being opened in partnership with IDA Ireland.

Once it has commenced operations, it will be hiring for many new roles, including cybersecurity positions, as well as in R&D and professional services jobs.

UKG, which has dual headquarters in Lowell, Massachusetts and Weston, Florida, has also opened similar hubs in Bulgaria, Uruguay, Canada, India and the US.

It also announced that it would sponsor the Cyber Ireland National Conference later this month, which will take place in Kilkenny.

“We’re on a mission to give every organisation the opportunity to become a great place to work, through technology built for all – and Kilkenny’s vibrant technology community will provide key talent to help us achieve this goal,” said UKG president and chief product and technology officer Hugo Sarrazin.

“With more than 80,000 customers located around the world, our Irish team joins a robust security and network operations group that plays a vital role in safeguarding our solutions,” he added.

IDA chief executive Michael Lohan added that creating “high-value job opportunities” in regional locations is a focus of his organisation’s current strategy.

“UKG’s plan to create 200 jobs in the region is a testament to the strength of our technology community within Ireland’s regions,” he said

Taoiseach Simon Harris also welcomed the announcement, adding that UKG’s decision to expand in Kilkenny added to the city’s “growing success as a home to leading technology companies”.

Earlier this year State Street, a US-headquartered financial services firm, also opened its new office building in Kilkenny.

It first established a presence in Kilkenny over 20 years ago.

Last year Abbott announced that it would open its seventh Irish manufacturing facility in Kilkenny, with plans to employ more than 300 people during construction. The healthcare giant said it then planned to employ more than 800 people at the facility when it officially opens.

Reporting on:independent.ie